Analysing spatial trends in referral patterns to cancer genetics services: a preliminary investigation of regional variations in Wales

Kevin McDonald, Gary Higgs, Rachel Iredale, Vanessa Tempest, Jonathon Gray

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This paper discusses spatial trends in referral patterns to a cancer genetics service. It presents a literature review outlining the paucity of existing research, a preliminary analysis at the Unitary Authority level in Wales and advances a programme of further research to be conducted at a more detailed spatial level. The preliminary analysis shows a weak negative relationship between referral rates from primary care and social deprivation by Unitary Authority (Spearman rank correlation coefficient, sigma = -0.38). There is also a weak positive relationship between average settlement size and referral rates (sigma = +0.28), which taken together may indicate that primary care practices in affluent urban areas are more likely to refer than those in poorer rural areas. Future research will be conducted at a finer spatial scale, and will take into account characteristics of primary care practices and the patients being referred, amongst other variables.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)263-71
Number of pages9
JournalHealth Services Management Research
Volume17
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2004

Keywords

  • Humans
  • Medicine
  • Neoplasms
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians'
  • Referral and Consultation
  • Specialization
  • Wales
  • Journal Article
  • Review

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